Here’s a bold statement: Marc Marquez’s return to the MotoGP track is shrouded in uncertainty, and the Portugal GP might just be too soon for the champion. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some fans are holding out hope, the medical experts are painting a different picture. Let’s dive into the details.
MotoGP’s medical director, Angel Charte, has openly expressed that it will be “quite challenging” for the injured Marc Marquez to make a comeback at the Portuguese Grand Prix next month. This comes after a collision with Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia left Marquez with a fractured right shoulder, sidelining him from the Australia-Malaysia double header. And this is the part most people miss—despite initially opting for a conservative, non-surgical recovery, Marquez ultimately underwent surgery after further tests revealed the injury was more unstable than initially thought.
Following the incident, Marquez returned to Madrid, where his trusted medical team conducted extensive examinations. Initially, they decided against surgery, favoring a more conservative approach. However, after additional tests on Sunday, it became clear that surgery was necessary to stabilize the injured area of his right shoulder. Dr. Charte elaborated on the situation during a Thursday briefing ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, explaining that the decision to operate was made to prevent potential long-term complications.
“During his check-up at the Ruber International Clinic in Madrid, Dr. Roger de Oña and his team determined that the injury was unstable and wisely opted to secure it more effectively,” Charte explained. “Marc has already had the surgery, was discharged within 24 hours, and is now in a rest period. His recovery will begin when the medical team deems it appropriate.”
While Marquez has already secured his ninth world title in Japan before the Indonesia crash, there’s no rush for him to return to the track. However, Charte remains skeptical about his readiness for the penultimate round of the season on November 9. This means the earliest fans might see Marquez back in action could be at the Valencia finale on November 16, followed by the traditional post-season test where all manufacturers will unveil their 2026 prototypes.
“I believe it’s quite difficult for him to return in Australia, Malaysia, or even Portugal, as this type of injury requires careful management to avoid lingering effects,” Charte added.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Marquez’s health clearly a priority, should the MotoGP community temper their expectations for his return, or is there still room for a surprise comeback? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For more insights, check out these related reads:
- Marco Bezzecchi still in ‘a lot of pain’ as he explains Marc Marquez crash
- Marco Bezzecchi hit with double long lap for Marc Marquez Indonesia collision
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